The
platform will be incorporated into a new vehicle body that will be unveiled at
the beginning of August. It consists of a highly rigid body (designed to reduce
vibrations and increase the car’s durability), an electric motor, and a
lithium-ion battery pack built into the floor of the car so that it doesn’t eat
into cargo space. The production version of the vehicle will go on sale next
year, the company says, and get 160 kilometers–100 miles–on a charge.

That
short range could be one reason why the company is also marketing a new
“EV-IT” system, equipping the electric vehicle with information-technology
features to allay range anxiety. These include a map that shows the maximum
distance the car can drive based on its current state of charge, as well as the
locations of charging stations within reach. The system can also be set so that
the vehicle charges at night, which could save people money if utilities start
charging rates that vary by the time of day. The system also can send a message
to the driver’s cell phone when charging is complete.